Abstract: A media reproducing apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving primary content, memory for storing replay content from an identified portion of the primary content for time-shifted display of the primary content, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to cause a display to display at a first display rate the primary content on a first region of a display, and further cause the display to display the replay content at a second display rate, which is different than the first display rates on a second region of the display. The replay content being displayed simultaneously with the primary content. The control unit is further configured to terminate the display of the replay content upon an occurrence of a timing event. The terminating operation causes the primary content to be displayed on both the first region and the second region of the display.

Abstract: A video test tool for diagnosing video processing for interlacing is disclosed along with a video test tool for quantifying “jaggies” in a video display.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface. The first device identifies a user account. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and generates a recording priority status. The first device communicates the content selection and the recording priority status to a content processing system. The content processing system forms a queue for the user account, inserts the content selection in the queue in response to the recording priority and communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.

Abstract: A Sync On Green signal detection circuit includes a clamping circuit for clamping a voltage of a video graphics signal within a default range and then outputting a clamped input signal; a first PGA (programmable gain amplifier) for receiving and amplifying the clamped input signal by a first gain to generate a first gain signal; a first low-pass filter for receiving the first gain signal and then generating a first filtered signal; a second PGA for receiving and amplifying the clamped input signal by a second gain to generate a second gain signal, wherein the second gain is different from the first gain; a second low-pass filter for receiving the second gain signal and then generating a second filtered signal; a programmable voltage shifter for receiving and adjusting the first filtered signal and then outputting a level shifted signal; and a comparator for receiving the level shifted signal and the second filtered signal and then generating a comparison signal as a SOG signal.

Abstract: Intuitive user interfaces are disclosed for a TV showing a favorites channel pane that can transition to a channel history pane, etc. in response to remote control commands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of dual-screen interactive digital television (IDTV), which is implemented by applying modality-independent remote console technology. The system has two ends, referred to as host IDTV and handheld device. The host IDTV includes a host IDTV content, an IDTV middleware, a host graphic user interface (host GUI), and a server-side remote console control protocol. The handheld device includes a handheld IDTV content, an interface generator, a handheld GUI, and a client-side remote console control protocol. In the invention, the DTV content may only have a dual-screen execution mode. The DTV content may also switch between single-screen and dual-screen modes.

Abstract: A method and system for periodically deriving an optimal batch broadcast schedule based on client demand feedback data from a distributed set of broadcast clients. The broadcast system includes an operation center that broadcasts meta-data to a plurality of client systems. The meta-data describes a plurality of pieces of content that are in consideration for upcoming broadcasts by the server. Each client receives the broadcasted meta-data from and sends back a set of client demand feedback data to the operations center, wherein the user feedback data reflects a client's interest level in at least a portion of the pieces of content. The feedback data, which typically may include ratings and/or relative rankings, may be user-generated, automatically-generated, or a combination of the two. The system then send a batch of content based on an aggregation of the feedback data in combination with available broadcast bandwidth and broadcast schedule window.

Abstract: A method of informing a first network user of activity by other network users includes receiving information identifying television programming viewed by at least one other network user and displaying the information to the first network user on a user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.